If you love helping others, then two careers that may be a good fit for you are human services and social work. Now, if you’re thinking that these two sound like the same job, you’ll need to think again.
Although they certainly share some similarities, these are actually two different careers with their own nuances and trajectories. Having an understanding of those differences will guide you as you choose a career path that aligns with your passion and professional goals.
In this article, we’ll go over a detailed comparison between human services vs social work, exploring their definitions, differences, similarities, operating environments, duties, education requirements, benefits, and outlook, all aimed at helping you understand both fields and make an informed career choice that is aligned to your personality, interests, and long-term career goals.
What is Human Services?
To get started, let’s take a second to define just what is human services? At its core, human services is about meeting human needs through a friendly, holistic focus and preventative measures. It’s a multidisciplinary field, spanning occupations like counseling, social care, mental health services, and nonprofit management.
A day in the life of a human services professional might include overseeing a homeless shelter, designing an outreach program for a community, or connecting people with public resources. For example, a case manager in a rehabilitation center is a human services professional, helping clients navigate their recovery journey while connecting them with needed resources.
What is Social Work?
Now that you know what human services is, it’s time to talk about social work. Social work is more focused on solving problems, advocating for change, and enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Social workers often work directly with clients to help them deal with issues like addiction, abuse, mental illness, or unemployment. They may also advocate for policy changes on local, state, and federal levels to improve social conditions.
For instance, a school social worker may provide counseling to a troubled student, coordinate with family and teachers, and advocate for resources to support the student’s academic success.
Differences Between Human Services and Social Work
It’s important to note that while both fields aim to help individuals, families, and communities, their approach, focus, and how they function can be vastly different.
Let’s check out a few of the key differences between these two fields.
Scope and Approach
Human services is a considerably broad field that aims to meet the needs of individuals and communities at large. As a human service professional, you may often work to enhance the overall well-being of communities by implementing and coordinating various social programs, advocating for resources and policies, and providing direct services when necessary.
On the other hand, social work is more targeted and personalized. It focuses more on individual needs within the context of their social environment. As a social worker, you may provide direct services to clients, such as counseling and therapy, and connect them with resources to help them cope with life challenges they’re facing, frequently on a one-on-one basis.
Target Populations
Human services cater to a wide range of populations. For example, you may work with communities suffering from a lack of resources, like food and housing, while also serving others who need education or health services.
Meanwhile, social work often gravitates towards serving marginalized populations. As a social worker, you may find yourself helping individuals with mental health issues, people experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and victims of domestic violence.
Settings
Human services professionals can be found in a variety of settings, ranging from government agencies and non-profit organizations to healthcare facilities. These professionals work anywhere that help is needed to enhance the overall well-being of people.
On the other hand, social workers often work in specific settings like hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, or community organizations, where they can directly cater to the needs of marginalized individuals or groups.
Roles and Responsibilities
As a human services professional, your responsibilities will vary significantly and cut across various domains, from case management to community outreach, program development, advocacy, and administration.
In contrast, the role of a social worker is more centrally focused on assessing a client’s needs, formulating and implementing treatment or service plans, providing counseling, working on crisis intervention, and advocating for clients to get the necessary resources.
Similarities Between Human Services and Social Work
Now that we’ve talked about some of the differences between human services and social work let’s start talking about the similarities. After all, they do still have many things in common, which is why people can have a tough time choosing between the two career paths.
Shared Goals
First and foremost, human services and social work share the ultimate goal of bettering the well-being of individuals and communities. While their strategies or methods might vary, both professions pursue this goal with the same tireless dedication and passion.
Client-Centered
Both professions adhere to a client-centered approach. This means that the needs, strengths, and voices of the individuals or communities you serve guide your actions.
In these lines of work, whether in human services or social work, take time to listen to and understand the people you are serving. Be it initiating an advocacy program for the homeless in a role as a social worker or implementing community health initiatives in a human services role, the target population’s needs and suggestions are always the north star guiding your decisions.
Interdisciplinary Nature
Both fields appreciate the interconnectedness of various aspects of human life. Workers in these fields understand that issues such as poverty, health, education, and social justice are not standalone issues but are intricately interconnected.
Emphasis on Ethics
Both professions place a high emphasis on upholding ethical standards. You must value respect for all persons, uphold confidentiality, and strive for fairness and justice.
Considerations When Choosing Between Human Services and Social Work as a Career
Choosing a career is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make in your life, which is why it’s so important to really think the decision through. The key to making the right choice between a career in human services vs social work is considering factors that align with your personal interests, strengths, and aspirations.
Let’s explore these factors in more depth.
Personal Interests
Your interests play a crucial role in motivating you to excel in your career. For instance, if you are passionate about working directly with individuals to solve personal issues, a career in social work might be more fitting.
On the other hand, if you are more interested in working at a community level to implement policies and programs that improve the welfare of a broader population, a career in human services would be a better fit.
Strengths and Skills
Your skills and strengths should align with the demands of the job. As a social worker, strong listening and problem-solving skills, coupled with empathy and resilience, are essential. In the human services field, you might need strong administrative, project management, and leadership skills, given the broader scope of the work.
Education and Training
Before deciding on a career, consider the level of education and training required. Both fields require a bachelor’s degree at minimum, but if you’re looking to become a licensed social worker, you might need to pursue a master’s degree in social work. I’ll go into more detail about the exact educational requirements for each later.
Work Environment
Various settings available for you as a human services professional include government agencies, non-profit organizations, and crisis centers. Social work, on the other hand, offers opportunities in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practices.
Career Objectives
Consider your long-term career objectives. If you dream of making a policy change at a higher level, a career in human services could place you on a strategic decision-making path. If you aspire to work directly with individuals to help them resolve issues, a social work career may be more aligned with your goals.
Research and Understand the Nature of the Jobs
Doing your due diligence about the job descriptions, day-to-day responsibilities, and industries related to each field can go a long way in helping you make an informed decision.
For example, if you find fulfillment in one-on-one support and direct counseling, a career in social work might be for you. On the other hand, if you thrive in multi-disciplinary settings and enjoy working on community-wide initiatives, human services might be a better match.
Education Requirements and Certifications
I briefly mentioned that human services and social work both call for their own set of skills and educational requirements.
To help you understand which career path might be for you, it’s important to understand what these requirements look like.
And, even as you get a feel for what education you’ll have to get, remember that both fields require a commitment to lifelong learning. That involves keeping up with best practices, renewing your certification, and better serving your clients in an ever-evolving society.
Human Services Education Requirements and Certifications
If you’re interested in a human services career, the typical minimum education requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Human Services or a related field. This can involve coursework in social issues, psychology, ethics, and case management. Some entry-level positions may also accept an associate’s degree or relevant work experience.
Depending on your career goals within the field, you might want to consider pursuing further education, such as a Master’s Degree in Human Services.
Also, certifications like the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) credential could be beneficial. It denotes that you’ve met nationally approved standards of competency and professionalism, boosting your credibility in the field.
Social Work Education Requirements and Certifications
The journey to becoming a social worker often begins with obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW). The curriculum typically revolves around social welfare policies, case management, human behavior, and ethics.
If your dream is to offer clinical services, you’ll need a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW). These advanced programs delve deeper into social work theory and offer opportunities for fieldwork experience, preparing you to provide therapeutic counseling to individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Additionally, most states require licensure for social workers, especially for those who perform clinical work. The requirements vary by state and often involve a minimum number of supervised work hours and passing a licensing examination. Getting certified by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) can further bolster your career prospects.
Examples of Jobs in Human Services vs Social Work Fields
As a career coach, I find that practical examples are often the best way to help someone understand their options. So, let’s dive into some of the specific job options you might consider in each of these fields.
In terms of human services careers, a couple of common options are outlined in the table below.
| Job | Description |
| Case Manager | As a Case Manager, you’ll work closely with clients to identify their needs and coordinate various services. You might help clients find housing, employment, or healthcare services. For this role, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field. |
| Community Outreach Worker | In this role, you’ll connect with community members, provide them with valuable information about available resources, and even organize events. You might work for a nonprofit, government agency, or social service organization. While some roles only require a high school diploma and relevant experience, certain positions may require a bachelor’s degree. |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | As a Substance Abuse Counselor, your role centers on providing support, counseling, and guidance to individuals struggling with substance abuse issues. Typically, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree and some states require licensing or certification. |
Moving onto social work jobs, things look a little different. The table below goes over a couple of potential social work jobs you could get.
| Job | Description |
| Clinical Social Worker | If you’re passionate about providing therapeutic services to individuals, families, or groups dealing with a variety of challenges, this might be your calling. You’ll need a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) and state licensure for this role. |
| Child and Family Social Worker | This role involves working closely with children and their families to resolve problems and improve their well-being. You might work in a school, residential care facility, or government agency. Typically, you’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. |
| Healthcare Social Worker | These professionals work in healthcare settings to support clients facing health-related challenges. They often assist clients in understanding their diagnosis, making healthcare decisions, and navigating insurance issues. For this role, you’ll usually need an MSW and potentially licensure, depending on your state. |
Remember that each of these jobs can vary significantly depending on the exact role and organization, so it’s crucial to research any position thoroughly to understand the criteria fully.
Salary Comparison: Human Services vs Social Work
Now that we’ve covered many aspects of both fields, let’s talk about a topic that’s often of great interest — the potential earnings.
When deciding on a career path, it’s essential to balance your passion for the work with a realistic understanding of the salary prospects.
For those interested in a career in human services, you’re looking at an average salary of between $27,000 and $38,000 per year. If you advance in your education and take on roles with more responsibility, you might find yourself in a well-paying managerial position. For instance, if you become a director of a social service organization, the average salary goes up considerably.
For social workers, the average salary is about $45,000 to $60,000 a year. More experienced social workers or those who progress into managerial roles, such as social work supervisors, can earn a higher salary.
These figures underscore an essential factor: as you further your education and gather experience, both professions present opportunities for increased earnings. While it’s vital to consider salary in your career decision, don’t forget that the most rewarding part of working in either human services or social work is the positive impact you can make in people’s lives.
Benefits of Working in Each Field
Monetary compensation isn’t the only draw to working in these fields. There are other benefits as well. Let’s take a look at a few advantages of a career in human services vs social work.
Human Services
As a professional in the human services field, you may enjoy a variety of benefits. First, there’s the satisfaction of being able to provide essential services and support to individuals, families, and even entire communities in need. You may find joy and fulfillment in knowing that you’re contributing to improving the lives of others.
Additionally, the field is incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of job opportunities. Whether you choose to work in healthcare, social services, or corrections, you have the opportunity to specialize in an area that really interests you.
Plus, there’s the advantage of flexibility. Many human services roles offer various work schedules, allowing for a balance between personal life and career.
Social Work
Working in the field of social work is equally rewarding. As a social worker, you have the privilege of empowering individuals and families to overcome the challenges they face. This involves advocating for your clients and becoming a voice for those who may not feel heard.
Furthermore, social work is a profession that’s always evolving. This means you will be continually learning and growing both personally and professionally. Whether you specialize in mental health, child welfare, or medical social work, you have the chance to expand your knowledge and expertise.
Choose A Career in Human Services or Social Work
Both human services and social work are fields that are dedicated to helping individuals and communities achieve better outcomes, but each has its unique perspective and approach.
Choosing between human services and social work boils down to where your passions lie. Do you want to enact change on a larger scale, or do you find fulfillment in creating deep impacts on individual lives? It’s a decision you’ll need to reflect upon carefully.
If you still need support in selecting the right career, our articles can help. Check out our job search guides for tips and tricks for choosing the right job path for you.